Associate Zoo Keeper (Part-Time)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Associate Zoo Keeper, Part-Time

DEPARTMENT: Zoo Animal Care

LOCATION: Hattiesburg Zoo

SHIFT: Maximum 24 hours per week on a schedule requiring a mix of weekdays, weekends, evenings and holidays as required.

REPORTS TO: Animal Curator

SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Animal Curator, performs scientific work in the care of zoo animals and the maintenance of zoo exhibits and facilities. Participate in the enrichment, dietary, record keeping and health needs of the current animal collection. Participates in the aesthetics and maintenance of the various exhibits and participates with guest interactions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Observes and evaluates animal condition, behavior, and responses on a daily basis and reports any unusual situations to the supervisor, as well as any aggressive or potentially dangerous tendencies.
• Maintains records on animal health and behavior, exhibits, diets, vet care, enrichment/training, etc.
• Cleans (disinfects as scheduled) and checks integrity of animal exhibits and structures daily to ensure safety and welfare of animals, guests, and staff in accordance with established guidelines.
• Maintains exhibit and landscaping, such as caring for plants in and around exhibits, cleaning and installing perches, nest boxes, bedding materials, feed containers, and decorative materials and understands how these will be used by animals and their safety.
• Operates heavy machinery as needed.
• Performs minor repairs and preventative maintenance to exhibits, reports maintenance concerns they cannot be easily addressed to the supervisor, makes recommendations to improve the safety, aesthetics, and functionality of facilities; assists in the completion of approved changes.
• Prepares prescribed diets and follows feeding instructions noting consumption of diet; thoroughly cleans food bowls and containers; unloads and replenishes hay; unloads food shipments.
• Assists in the capture and restraint of animals, which may or may not be sedated; assists in administering prescribed medications and dietary supplements noting consumption and treating injured/sick animals.
• Daily involvement in improving the quality of life of the animals by assisting in the enrichment program to elicit species-typical behaviors
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education and Work Experience:

Pursuing or has a Bachelor’s degree in biological field or currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in the science field and 6 months animal experience or 1-2 years exotic animal experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Essential Job Qualifications

• Must retain a valid Driver’s License and meet the eligibility requirements to drive while conducting company business.
• Current TB test
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and lift heavy objects (up to 50 pounds)

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong work ethic, self-motivated, committed to the vision of the Hattiesburg Zoo.
• Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the general public
• Friendly with public and courteous to visitors, able to provide keeper chats and public encounters in a friendly manner